Jeremy Sochan Hits the Market: What His Midseason Free Agency Means for Contenders and Rebuilders Alike
When the San Antonio Spurs officially parted ways with Jeremy Sochan after failing to find a trade partner by the 2026 NBA deadline, it wasn’t just the end of a chapter-it was the opening move in what could become one of the more intriguing late-season storylines across the league.
Sochan, the No. 9 overall pick out of Baylor, arrived in San Antonio as a high-upside project under the watchful eye of Gregg Popovich. He was the kind of prospect you build around in the modern NBA: positionless, versatile, and brimming with defensive potential.
Popovich even experimented with him at point guard, hoping to mold him into a jumbo playmaker in the Ben Simmons mold. At times, it clicked-especially in transition, where Sochan’s athleticism and finishing instincts stood out.
But as the Spurs reshaped their identity around Victor Wembanyama, Sochan’s role shrank. By the 2025-26 season, he was buried on the depth chart, used sparingly off the bench by new head coach Mitch Johnson.
Still, even as his development plateaued, Sochan’s blend of size, defensive chops, and ball-handling kept him on the radar for teams looking to add depth or take a flyer on a still-young player with untapped upside. Now that he’s an unrestricted free agent, he has the opportunity to choose his next destination-one that could either boost a contender or help him reestablish his value heading into the summer.
Could the Knicks Circle Back?
One team that nearly pulled the trigger before the deadline: the New York Knicks. Talks reportedly stalled when the Spurs balked at taking back Guerschon Yabusele, who holds a player option for 2026-27. But the Knicks may not be out of the Sochan sweepstakes just yet.
New York ultimately pivoted to land Jose Alvarado-who wasted no time making an impact, lighting up the Sixers in his debut-but the door remains open for Sochan to join a rotation that’s more flexible than it’s been in years. Under Mike Brown, the Knicks have embraced a deeper, more balanced approach. Ten players have logged over 600 minutes ahead of the All-Star break, a stark contrast to the Thibodeau-era grind.
Still, there’s a noticeable frontcourt gap. Of the ten main rotation players, only four-Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson-are natural frontcourt options. Josh Hart has played up at the four in spurts, but that’s more out of necessity than design.
That’s where Sochan could fit in. He wouldn’t walk into guaranteed playoff minutes, not with contributors like Tyler Kolek and Landry Shamet already fighting for floor time.
But he’d have a multi-month runway to prove himself. His ability to defend multiple positions, push the ball in transition, and handle in secondary actions gives him a chance to carve out a role-especially if he can bring energy and versatility to the second unit.
Phoenix Rising?
Another intriguing landing spot: Phoenix. The Suns, even after moving on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, are holding steady in the Western Conference playoff picture. They currently sit seventh, which would secure a Play-In spot if the season ended today.
This version of the Suns is young, scrappy, and surprisingly cohesive. Four players have started 40+ games, and Collin Gillespie isn’t far behind with 34. They’re building something sustainable, but there’s a clear need for a young forward who can grow with the core.
Sochan could be that piece. Dillon Brooks (30) and Royce O’Neale (32) provide veteran presence, but they’re not long-term building blocks. Sochan, still just 23, could slot in alongside Gillespie, Mark Williams, Khaman Maluach, and Devin Booker as part of a new-look Suns nucleus.
Playing next to floor generals like Booker and Gillespie-who are averaging 6.3 and 4.7 assists per game, respectively-could unlock more of Sochan’s offensive game. And a second-unit pairing with Jalen Green could give Phoenix a dynamic duo capable of pushing pace and creating chaos on both ends.
A Fit in Philly?
Then there’s Philadelphia. The Sixers left the trade deadline with only 13 players on standard NBA contracts, making them an obvious candidate to kick the tires on Sochan.
In recent years, Philly has leaned heavily on floor-spacing fours to complement Joel Embiid. But in 2025, they made a conscious shift, prioritizing rebounding and energy at the power forward spot.
That led to the additions of Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker on two-way deals-both of whom have made a strong impression. Barlow already earned a standard contract, and Walker may not be far behind.
Still, the Sixers don’t have a true two-way threat at the four. Barlow and Walker bring hustle and rebounding, but they’re not shooters. Trendon Watford, another option, is more of a below-the-rim finisher.
Sochan doesn’t stretch the floor either-he topped out at 30.8% from three during his time in San Antonio-but he’s efficient inside the arc. Last season, he shot over 50% from the field and averaged more than 11 points per game across 184 contests. His ability to handle the ball and operate in the pick-and-roll-as both a screener and a ball handler-could give Philly a different look in their frontcourt rotations.
With Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe attacking downhill, Sochan could thrive as a slasher, cutter, or short-roll playmaker. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need plays run for him to make an impact, and that’s valuable on a team built around a high-usage star like Embiid.
Bottom Line
Jeremy Sochan’s release may not have made front-page headlines, but don’t underestimate what this move could mean. Whether he joins a contender looking for a defensive spark or a rebuilding team offering a larger role, Sochan’s next stop could be the reset button his career needs.
He’s still young. He’s still versatile. And in the right system, with the right coaching staff, there’s still time for Sochan to evolve into the kind of impact player the Spurs once envisioned.